For the love of Cadburys

Expat Life - Chocoholics stand up!

I started writing this a couple of weeks ago as I munched through the last bar of Cadburys Bubbles, which my Dad brought over to USA at Christmas. I was feeling a little sad. There really is nothing like it. Most things that I left behind when we moved to the USA I have been able to replace or forget, but Cadburys chocolate is irreplaceable with no equal substitutions. Every Brit here knows where they can get a stash of British goodies and imports when required!

I think a simple bar of Cadbury's Dairy Milk is possibly my favourite treat. Other favourites would include Twirls, Wispas, Box of Cadburys Roses!!

And then this week the media has gone crazy with the ban of UK Cadburys being sold in USA!!!
NY Times 01-24-15


One of our favourite British shops in NYC, Tea and Sympathy, posted the following to their Facebook page:

Due to legal action by the so called chocolate maker Hersheys, we can no longer import the real Cadbury chocolate from England. They want us to sell their dreadful Cadbury approximation but we can't in good conscience sell you such awful chocolate when we have made our reputation on selling you the yummy real English stuff.

In addition to banning the good Cadbury they have also banned Yorkie bars because they stated that people might confuse them with York Peppermint Patties! As if! To add insult to injury they have also banned Toffee Crisp because they contended that the packaging was too similar to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups! May we politely suggest that if you think Toffee Crisps look like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups your eyesight is a much bigger problem than your chocolate bar confusion.

If you would like to voice your opinion about this to the CEO of Hershey's, Mr John P Bilberry, you can do so with the following information:

Johnpbilberry@hersheys.com
1800 468 1714 or write to him
The Hershey Company
Attn: John P Bilberry President
100 Crystal A Drive
Hershey, PA 17033

And there is at least one unsubstantiated story worthy of the prohibition days!
Chocolate seized off the US coast

I am desperately hoping we don't have to put up with this ban and that common sense prevails. British Cadburys has no trademark rights to produce the chocolate in USA and now the importers of Cadburys have been banned from doing just that. Last week, to avoid further legal action, Let's Buy British, the importer, agreed to stop selling any Cadbury’s product made in the UK, as well as British-made KitKats, Rolos and Maltesers.
So the infamous purple wrapper here belongs to Hershey. Surely there's a loophole. Maybe Cadburys UK can make chocolate with a Union Jack wrapper if it's made in England/Ireland. That should clear up any confusion.

Top reasons to LOVE and HATE New Jersey

Expat Life - New Jersey - Love vs Hate

To be fair, before I left UK I probably wouldn't have been able to pinpoint New Jersey on a map. "Somewhere near New York" might have been my intelligent response! In fact it is just the other side of the Hudson river from Manhattan!

The people that live in New Jersey are very proud of their state. They love to tell you it is called The Garden State because once you explore further than the ugly NJ Turnpike (motorway) and the surrounds of Newark there really is a lot of beauty here. It generally has a bad rap from New Yorkers. Like Londoners are often unkind and derogatory about Essex and its girls, New Jersey suffers the same problem.

However in my eyes there is a lot to love. We knew nothing of the cruel taunts when we moved here and of course it is not totally unfair, but it's far from the whole truth as well.

We Love....

1. Short commute to Manhattan

Simply this is the main reason for choosing our town in the first place. We wanted to get to Manhattan for work in less than 40 minutes and we wanted access to an international airport like Newark. Our express train takes 29 minutes. Having lived in St Albans in UK, I was used to a 19 minute train commute into central London so I'm fussy! However the trains in UK cost double the fare here and we have Double Decker trains in New Jersey so although busy there is a chance of getting a seat! NJ Trains: www.njtransit.com

2. Seasons/Geography

It is wonderful to feel and see the beauty of the 4 seasons. Tourism is the second largest industry with the benefit of Atlantic City and it's casinos, beaches and mountains. There are beautiful beaches on the Jersey Shore and ski mountains up in the Poconos. With the choice of either skiing in the winter or seaside in summer in less than an hour, we are spoilt for choice.  The colors of the leaves in Autumn is stunning and scenic drives are all the more beautiful.

Farmland covers about 16% of NJ. This produces garden vegetables such as Jersey corn and tomatoes and fruits like apples and pumpkins and blueberries etc. Hills for sledging are abundant!

3. We never pump our own gas! 

It is illegal to fill your own car with petrol in NJ. It is called Full Service and a Pump Attendant will fill it for you.

4. Shopping malls

There are malls for shopping all over the place. Upscale malls like Short Hills, regular malls like Livingston and countless strip malls. When my kids were little they provided hours of indoor entertainment and window shopping during the winter months!

5. Large portions

You will not go hungry here! Eating out is cheaper than the UK generally, although I do miss finding country pubs and beer gardens to try. There are a lot of chain restaurants. The Cheesecake Factory has to be the most famous for oversized portions when eating out. They truly provide enough food in one entree to share with a friend. Or take the extra home! Yes, restaurants  encourage you to take the leftovers for dinner at home another day! Many restaurants locally are Bring Your Own and don't charge a corkage fee. There are very few licenses to sell booze in a restaurant in NJ which helps the cost of eating out!

6. Houses

There are no Wimpey estates in my town so the houses do not look the same. Most streets have distinct styles of architecture and a multitude of different color facades which adds to the charm of the town.

7. Talent!

Michael Douglas was born here so was Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston. There are singers and actors galore that started out in this state and went on to share their amazing talent with the world. If you've got it, come and flaunt it here. Or take the train to Broadway and see the professionals do it!

8. Neighbours

I did wonder if our neighbours might be something out of the TV/movie world - Brady Bunch, Stepford Wives, Melrose Place. I wasn't sure what to expect. However I could not ask for a nicer bunch of people. There are a number of families who are not native to NJ like me and the general friendliness and community feel here is fabulous for me.

We Hate.....

1. Property tax

Here in New Jersey there is something called Property Tax. This is a big fee paid every month. Think about $20k per year. Yes. Seriously. You can roll it into your monthly mortgage payments, but it hurts! You pay it every year that you own the house. 

2. Insurance bills

Car insurance seems particularly steep. Without the NHS you are responsible for covering your own medical bills. Health Insurance may be offered as part of your benefits package if you have a full time job, but you still have to contribute to the payments every month. You also pay the doctor every time you go to an appointment.

3. You have to pay to go on a NJ beach

Yes, they charge you an entry fee to walk on the beach.

4. Driving

I seem to constantly be looking for other crazy drivers, worry about icy roads in Winter, plus there is the incredible NJ Jughandle which is to help you to turn left or do a U-turn. You swoop off right and join the traffic that is then crossing over the street you were just on. I think it adds to the congestion and confuses the hell out of me, but they are everywhere in NJ. There are very few roundabouts (called Circles here) and again these cause confusion because nobody knows what to do. Basically you go round anti-clockwise - the opposite to the UK. Keep right on those roads! 

5. Reality shows

Not content with having spawned Bruce Springsteen, Tom Cruise and other talented actors and musicians we had to go and start the reality show 'Jersey Shore' and sell the rights all over the blinking world! 'Real Housewives of NJ' and 'Jerseylicious' seem to bolster a tacky NJ image too! Thankfully it's not like that everywhere here!

6. Home maintenance

Those multicolored shingles on the outside of your house are usually wood and need painting every ten years or so. This is a big expense that brick house owners in the UK do not have to worry about. Also you need a new vocabulary when you enter the DIY store as everything has a different name in American!

7. Ignorance

I am often complemented on my accent and asked where I am from. "London," I say. "That's in Paris isn't it?" is often their response. Huh? They ofcourse then do their very best British accent. I actually don't mind if they want to sound like a right old plonker giving the Queen's English a going over, but it is something to get used to.

8. Eating

It is bizarre to me that adults cut up their food with a knife and fork, then put down their knife and switch hands and eat with the fork only. When the meal is finished the knife and fork are just abandoned on the plate. Waiters take away plates from the table before everybody is finished.  It's just the way it is here.




Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 

A Dogs Life in New Jersey

Expat Life - Dogs

Having lived in New Jersey for over ten years and watched our children grow up to be 10 and 12, this family home is about to extend itself by 4 feet. Our Black Labrador puppy is moving in with us on Presidents weekend.

As I didn't grow up with dogs this has been quite an adventure to get to this point. However if you are bringing your pet to USA you can be sure they will have a great time. The streets in my town are tree- lined and there are plenty of parks where I can go and play ball with our pup.

Also, the South Mountain Reservation where I currently walk with my friends and their dogs, is just a 3 minute drive from me. (Or a 15 minute walk!) You can stay on the tarmac path or take one of the many trials throughout the woodland. On a clear day we can see the Empire State Building in Manhattan!

PETSMART and PETCO are two of the largest chain pet stores in this area for all your needs, food, crates, leashes.

There are Shelters looking to find homes for dogs and cats if you are unable to bring your pet to the USA. Many friends have had success through St Huberts where you can also do puppy kindergarten! My daughter has read every book out the library on how to train your puppy but I am looking forward to having some professional guidance to supplement her teachings!

BRING FIDO - I have found this website very useful. It details places you can take your dog for trips. Here is their link for dogs and airfare information http://www.bringfido.com/travel

Before you bring your dog from UK etc to USA you must make sure the dog complies with all the health regulations. Follow the UK Government's link for details: Pets abroad

Should you need a dog walker etc it seems there are a never ending supply of private walkers and doggie daycares and boarding kennels to suit your taste.

Should you wish to take them to the seaside there are a number of pet-friendly beaches down the Jersey Shore. Dog beaches NJ I am looking forward to playing on the beach with my pup!


Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

A cup of tea in NJ

Expat Life -  A Cup of Tea

New Expat arrivals be warned! Often a cup of tea in a restaurant here will mean a Lipton tea bag which is a far cry from a PG Tips or Tetley tea bag of the UK! Forewarned is forearmed!

However tea has been having a revolution in USA and no longer does a cup of tea mean a cup of tea. If I'm offered tea in England everybody means English Breakfast tea. So simple.

In New Jersey tea comes in an array of, to be honest, quite fabulous alternatives. There is green tea, white tea, herbal tea, jasmine tea, peppermint tea, pumpkin spice tea etc. They are available in supermarkets and can be quite a refreshing change to the usual cup of Tetley!

Teavana is a Tea store owned by Starbucks which can be found in some upscale malls - like Short Hills Mall nearby and they offer tea in every flavor you could dream of.

Time for tea!


Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

British Imports in New Jersey - for fellow Cadbury lovers!

TOP 5 PLACES TO BUY BRITISH IMPORTS LOCALLY

1.  Route 10, East Hanover NJ

- You can find two stores: Bed Bath and Beyond and World Market - both stock British goodies!

2. Tea & Sympathy, Greenwich Village, NYC 

http://teaandsympathynewyork.com / www.asaltandbattery.com

3. Gary's Marketplace - Madison NJ 

www.garyswine.com

4. The Pie Shop, Montclair, NJ 

http://thepiestorenj.com

5. Myers of Keswick, Manhattan - NYC

www.myersofkeswick.com

Ofcourse goodies are also available online if you can ignore your craving for a week or so until they are delivered, and shipping costs can be high!
We order Walkers Crisps from www.theenglishteastore.com
Or Try Amazon orTheQueensGrocer.com


Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Electricity in USA for Expats

Expat Life - Electrical appliances

The power supply in the US is 110-120v @60hz.

That voltage is half that of the UK so if you are moving to USA from UK your appliances may not work as efficiently as you want them to, if at all.

So when you hairdryer is taking an hour to dry your locks and when your stereo is playing the CD at half speed you may wish that you had ditched those machines at home and just invested in some new ones here!  My sister still insists on bringing her hair dryer and complains every time that it is so slow! I have a spare one here for her, but I guess old habits die hard and she packs her own every time! What a waste of space that should have been filled with Cadburys chocolate, I feel!!

While we are on the subject of hair I feel I should tell you about 'Having a Blow Out'. This is a major thing here and Blow Bars are popping up all over NYC and even in my commuter village! They wash and blow dry your hair so you feel absolutely fabulous as you step out on the town at night! We also have three nail salons in town. Fabulous indeed! Thankfully it costs  half of what it does in the UK so when I feel like a treat I can splurge with less guilt!

Most small appliances are relatively inexpensive and easy to get in the USA - hairdryers, toasters, irons. Target is a huge store with all such equipment and everything else to set up a home, except large furniture items.

Your computer or laptop possibly has a voltage choice - look for a switch on the rear. You'll need a new powercord or charger in the USA. Back up all your data before you move! Just in case!

Also every socket is live and doesn't have an on-off switch to turn it off. If you have kids you should get some toddler covers so they don't stick their fingers in a live socket!

Gift Ideas - When your mother in law is asking what you want for your birthday - remind her that DVDs from UK will not work in a US machine, but CDs will. So ask for music not movies! UK DVDs and videos won't work in the machines bought in the USA. However, UK CDS will work!

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Expats - Credit score

EXPAT LIFE -  Credit Score

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In the United States, your Credit Score here is the all important number leading to more freedom with your finances, better interest rates etc. 

A credit score is a number based on an analysis of a person's credit history, which shows the likelihood that people will pay their bills. Income is generally not considered. 

There are various ways of calculating credit scores. FICO score is the most widely known type of credit score. It is used by many mortgage lenders to decide whether the borrower may default on financial obligations to the mortgage lender. 

For Expats that have just arrived in USA it can seem difficult to get a credit score - whether you need certain types of bank accounts, mortgages or credit cards, you have to be patient to build up a credit history here. 

MORTGAGES

In order to get a mortgage you're going to need a credit score and employment in the USA.  There are a couple of sorts of loans, and you should talk to a mortgage professional about your options: FHA loan - Conventional loan - etc

You may want to use a Mortgage Lender, Mortgage Broker, or a Bank such as a high street bank. We have a Mortgage Lender affiliated with our real estate office who provides great service, and is my first call with any queries: Justin Messing, Eagle Home Mortgage.

RENTING

It is not unusual for Expats to rent before they buy unless they have previously resided in USA and are returning. This gives time to build up credit history. Renting locally usually requires initial payments of 1 month advance rent, 1.5 month security deposit and 1 month agent commission. 

CREDIT BUREAUS 

There are 3 different credit bureaus in US that provide these scores. However don't enquire after your score too often as that act alone can lower your score.  The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. 

Your Credit Score is based on the types of account you have. Loans, cellphones, bank accounts, store cards, credit cards, some utility bills, all count. They will look at your balances, upper limits, how long you've had them and whether you pay them off in full every month. 

MANAGING CREDIT 

On arrival in USA it is important to manage your credit limits to build up a credit score. You need to prove you are reliable and not high risk. One or two pre-paid credit cards or store cards, and a utility bill in your name can start you off. Manage them for a while, show a positive credit history, pay them off monthly. It's important to keep track of your reports.


Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.